Tourism in Vietnam

Tourism in Vietnam is a component of the modern Vietnamese economy. In 2012, Vietnam received more than 6.8 million international arrivals, up from 2.1 million in the year 2000. The annual increase represented a rebound from a decline in 2008 Great Recession. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is following a long-term plan to diversify the tourism industry, which brings foreign exchange into the country.[1]

Tourist arrivals in Vietnam have continued to rise in recent years. In 2008, Vietnam received 4.218 million international passengers, in 2009 the number was 3.8 million, down 11%. In 2012, Vietnam receives 6.84 million tourists.[2] This was a 13% increase from 2011 figure of 6 million international visitors, which was itself a rise of 2 million visitors relative to 2010 arrivals.[3][4]

Tourism is important in Vietnam. For backpackers, culture and nature lovers, beach-lovers and veterans, Vietnam has become a new tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Local and international tour operators offer tours to ethnic minority groups, walking and bicycle tours, kayak trips and multi-country trips in particular with neighboring Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Foreign tourists have been able to travel freely in the country since 1997.

The economy of Vietnam has transformed from an agrarian to a service economy. More than a third of gross domestic product is generated by services, which include the hotel and catering industry and transportation. The manufacturing and construction (28 percent), agriculture and fisheries (20 percent) and mining (10 percent) have much smaller shares.[5]

Tourism contributes 4.5 percent to gross domestic product (as of 2007). After the heavy industry and urban development, most foreign investment has been concentrated in tourism, especially in hotel projects .[6]

The ten most visited cities in Vietnam: Hanoi – the capital, Ho Chi Minh City – the largest city in Vietnam, Hai Phong – third largest city, Da Nang – the largest city in central Vietnam, Cần Thơ – the largest city in Mekong Delta (4th in Vietnam), Huế – Capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn Dynasty, Nha Trang – One of the largest cities in the South Central Coast, Phan Thiết – with Mui Ne, "Resort capital of Vietnam",[8]Da Lat, Vũng Tàu, Hồ Tràm.